Sports briefs: WCU's Speir: Mitchell is No. 1 QB

CULLOWHEE - The quarterback controversy at Western Carolina appears to be over.

After junior Eddie Sullivan and sophomore Troy Mitchell battled the last two seasons to be the starter, coach Mark Speir said definitively on Tuesday that Mitchell was his No. 1 guy.

"We're excited about the rest of this year and the next two years, building our program around Troy Mitchell," Speir said. "He's the face of our team, he's a leader on our team."

After splitting time last season, Sullivan started the first two games this year. He is 16-of-35 for 147 yards, with four interceptions and no touchdowns against FBS opponents Middle Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

Mitchell has started the last two games against FCS team The Citadel and Division II Mars Hill. He is 43-of-72 for 647 yards, with six TDs and two interceptions.

WCU golfer wins 2nd straight event

SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. - Western Carolina junior J.T. Poston shot a 3-under par round of 69 Tuesday to win his second straight tournament, the Cardinal Intercollegiate at the Cardinal Club in Louisville.

Poston has shot under par in all six rounds this season.

The Catamounts finished with a final round 304 to finish in a three-way tie for 11th in the team standings.

Beason could be out as Panthers' starter

Rivera replaced Beason - who's struggling to get back healthy following knee surgery last October - with veteran Chase Blackburn at weak side linebacker.

Beason played only one snap as the Panthers sacked Eli Manning seven times and forced three turnovers in a 38-0 rout of the New York Giants.

NCAA restores Penn State scholarships

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Penn State officials say they are gratified by the NCAA's decision to gradually restore football scholarships taken from the school following the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal.

President Rodney Erickson called the news particularly welcome to student athletes who want to attend Penn State "and will now have the means to do so." College sports' governing body said Tuesday that the school has made significant changes to its athletics programs.

The NCAA said five scholarships will be restored next year and more will be phased in until the school reaches normal totals in 2016-17.